Networking Goals

The Two Rules of Networking

These are the two basic rules of networking:

• Never ask for a job; ask for suggestions instead
• Don’t ask for favors, ask for advice

It's important to make a clear distinction between networking and applying for a job. As the word implies, networking is meant to expand your field of opportunity. By building a diverse network of contacts, you exponentially grow your application opportunities -- and your chances of landing that first job.

Two Primary Goals

Your networking efforts should have two primary goals. You want to:

• Be remembered
• Be referred

Face-to-face meetings provide the best opportunity to achieve your goals. A meeting is preferable to a phone call.

• It's the most effective way to create a positive impression
• Your contacts are more likely to remember you if they have met you
• They will be more willing to refer you to others because they have a better sense of who you are

Remember:

• When writing or calling to request a meeting, ask for only 15 to 20 minutes
• During the meeting, keep to allotted time and to your agenda

Thoughts About Networking

Since you will be discussing shared interests during these meetings, you are likely to find them enjoyable.

If any part of this process is difficult for you, call us for an appointment. We can help you find ways to make the hard parts easy -- or suggest alternatives.

Give networking the time and energy it deserves and it will pay dividends.

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